12 Feb Dust Abatement Program in the Special Areas
The Dust Abatement Program is offered by the Special Areas Board to help control dust created by vehicles traveling on gravel roads near residences. This program is managed on an application basis, with applications accepted on an annual basis.
Dust abatement will be completed once per residence site, once per year. Payment must be received in advance of the work being completed. A minimum order is 100 meters (300 feet), up to a maximum of 304 meters (1000 feet).
Rates are set each year and are published in Policy 04-04A – Rates in Effect. Rates for the 2025 season have been set at $5.06 per linear meter.
The product used for dust abatement is a water-soluble dust suppressant product approved by Alberta Transportation.
Deadline for Applications
Application deadline is April 2, 2025.
Applications will be accepted until end of day on April 2, 2025.
How do I apply?
- Contact your local district office or the Youngstown Service Centre and complete the Dust Abatement Request Form
- Provide payment for dust abatement service
Typically, road maintenance staff will contact you in advance of dust abatement product being applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Rain will delay the application process; based on accumulation received and the roads drying, the application may resume. Freshly applied dust abatement product will be monitored. Rain on recent applications will delay the “set up” and the surface may become slippery, rutted and rough.
Q: When does the dust abatement program start?
A: The target application dates is in May and June; however, weather plays a major role in the application of dust abatement products.
Q: Why does it take so long for the actual dust abatement application to take place if I have to pay with my application?
A: Dust abatement materials are ordered each spring to lock in pricing for the season, so applications for dust abatement need to be submitted in spring so materials are included in this process. Once the season begins, road surfaces need to be prepared ahead of dust abatement materials being applied. Road services work with administration to ensure dust abatement requests are completed in an efficient and cost-effective way.
Q: What happens if I change my mind after applying for dust abatement but before placement of product?
A: Unfortunately, refunds are not available for dust abatement service requests. As product is ordered early in the spring each year, products cannot be refunded if you change your mind about dust abatement.
Q: What if my dust abatement product is breaking up or becoming rough?
A: If the dust abatement product becomes rough, please contact your local Road Maintenance Foreman. Generally, an inspection will be completed and staff will do their best to resolve the situation.
Q: Why is the grader operator grading my dust abatement surface?
A: If surfaces becomes rough and road hazards are present to motorists, Special Areas will grade it. Special Areas Road Services practice is to wait for a rain event or to use a water truck to reactivate the dust abatement, then blade it smooth. This will typically put it back to the original state as to when it was first applied.